AEquality Day

Celebration of Women

“ A nation is not conquered until

the hearts of its women are on the
ground. Then it is done, no matter

”
how brave its warriors nor how
strong their weapons.
Cheyenne Proverb

Sharon McIvor
S haron has devoted her life to improving the conditions of Aboriginal
women, and all women in Canada.
But the battle hasn’t ended: the federal government has proposed
amendments to the Indian Act, which will grant status to some, but not all,
Aboriginal women and children who have been affected by generations
Sharon is a member of the Lower Nicola Band in British Columbia, a of discrimination. Only two weeks ago Sharon appeared before a
practicing lawyer, and a Professor of Aboriginal Law at Nicola Valley Parliamentary standing committee to advocate for the eradication of the
Institute of Technology. She has spent over two decades fighting to ongoing sex discrimination in the proposed amendments to the Indian
end sex discrimination under the status provisions of the Indian Act. At status registration scheme.
the same time she has been tireless in her work to end violence against
Aboriginal women. Sharon began her equality rights challenge to the Sharon knows only too well the pain and anguish of being stigmatized
Indian Act in 1985 with the support of LEAF. She had no idea then that with labels. As non-status Indians, her children received no presents at
her battle to reclaim her birthright and that of her descendants would the Aboriginal Christmas party, there was no recognition for them at
drag on for 25 years and would be ongoing today. Sharon’s legal claim graduation, and the family was forced to fish, hunt and harvest berries
argued that the continuing preferential treatment given to males and in secret. She has experienced discrimination as a woman of aboriginal
those whose Indian status is traced from male ancestors is a violation of descent, and has challenged inequality, in the courts and in the legislative
section 15. process, as well as fighting against women’s poverty and abuse. She is an
inspiration to all women and girls in Canada.
On June 7, 2007, the British Columbia Supreme Court ruled that the federal
government must remove sex discrimination from the determination of
Indian status and restore equal status to First nations women and their
descendants. The British Columbia Court of Appeal upheld the decision
in part, although held that some aspects of sex discrimination in the
Indian Act are justified. Sharon sought leave to appeal to the Supreme
Court of Canada, which was denied.

A lawyer who has made a difference for women and girls in Canada.
Celebrating Equality Day and Section 15
April 2010